Ficus septica, an ecosystem keystone species induced ROS-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells

Abstract

Ficus septica grows all around Indonesia, as one of the key species in various ecosystem types. This plant is a food resource and habitat for some animals. This study aimed to examine cytotoxic activity of F. septica extract in HepG2 cells. The leaves powder was macerated using ethanol 96%. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay. The determination of cell cycle profile and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were done by flow cytometry. The extract inhibited the growth of HepG2 and Vero cells with an IC50 of 50.9 and 286.2 µg/mL, while doxorubicin 0.8 and 12.8 µg/mL. The selectivity index of the extract and doxorubicin was 5.6 and 16 respectively. The extract triggered cell cycle arrest in HepG2 at the G0/G1 phase, whereas doxorubicin in the S phase. The extract and doxorubicin significantly increased intracellular ROS in HepG2, but not in normal Vero cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that F. septica induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells is mediated by excessive ROS generation leading to oxidative stress.